An HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization. Specifically, it is a type of health insurance that is used by those living in the United States. It is not quite like traditional health care coverage. An HMO is allowed to set their own guidelines under which doctors can operate. An HMO usually costs less than having regular health insurance, but may have limitations to what kinds of treatments are available. They may have more of a say in your health care services than one may desire, yet they are usually much more affordable.

In the early 20th century, many businesses started to offer their employees medical programs that were prepaid. Those people were taken care of as long as they stayed within the allowed procedures. In the year 1973, the HMO Act was passed, and the HMO became a mainstay in the American medical community.

Cheaper insurance can be received with an HMO, because the HMO can negotiate for more affordable health care than a patient with no health care plan would get. An HMO can eliminate treatments that they deem unnecessary, thus reducing costs and fees. This may or may not be beneficial to the person using the HMO. There are many different HMO's operating in the United States today.

Being a member of an HMO may have many advantages. First, the cost is usually minimal. Many insurance companies have co-payments, meaning you are responsible for a certain percentage of your medical bill or prescription. Or, there could be an annual deductible that a patient has to meet before the insurance company will start paying for coverage. Many HMO members simply pay one monthly fee, and it does not matter how much medical attention they receive per month.

HMO's don't just cure sickness and disease; they also attempt to prevent it. They encourage their members to seek out medical treatment early. This way, issues may be resolved before they get too severe, thus costing more money. HMO's typically offer well-baby visits, immunizations, mammograms, and physicals. This way, problems may be caught early, preventing the need for more costly medical services later. Also, there are many HMO's that offer other preventative care, such as discounts to gyms, or health education classes to increase your knowledge of better health. Even if the issues are severe, HMO's typically don't have a limit of your lifetime benefits, which is not like most insurance plans. As long as you are a member, your HMO will cover your treatment. An HMO can be a great type of medical insurance for you and your family.

Medicare is one of the most used insurance programs for senior citizens today. This program is provided by the government, and can give coverage to those ages 65 and older, or those with a disability, no matter what your income is. There are three parts to Medicare: Part A, Part B, and Part D.

Medicare Part A covers care that is received in a hospital as an inpatient, in a nursing home, and also home health care and hospice care. Part B is for medical services that are deemed both necessary and reasonable. These will include visits to the doctor, any x-rays that may be needed, any laboratory or blood work done, ambulance service, outpatient health care, and any home health care that is necessary. It may also include necessities such as a hospital bed needed in the home, or a wheelchair, as well as some medical supplies for use in the home. Medicare Part D is a generally new program that covers prescription drugs. It is currently only available through either private drug plans or private health plans through Medicare.

A person who is eligible for Medicare must be 65 years or older and have been a United States citizen for 5 straight years. You may also be eligible if you are under 65 and disabled, and have been getting disability benefits through social security (also called SSDI) for a minimum of 2 years. You may also receive Medicare if you receive dialysis for permanent kidney failure, or if you are in need of a kidney transplant. Those who have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis can also qualify for Medicare services.

A CT heart scan is used to diagnose blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries of the neck and/or the branches of the carotid artery. Plaque build up, blood clots, calcium deposits and other substances in the blood stream may cause an interruption in the blood flow through the carotid arteries.